Snowball Sand Verbena (Abronia fragrans)

Family: Nyctaginaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Abronia fragrans is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - cooked. Dried then ground into a powder and mixed with corn. Use of the root was said by some North American Indian tribes to give one a good appetite and make them fat. — Dried then ground into a powder and mixed with corn.; Use of the root was said by some North American Indian tribes to give one a good appetite and make them fat.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry sandy soils, scrub and grasslands at elevations of 400 - 2000 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)